Source: www.ChinaAid.org
Date: August 17, 2022
 |
| Beijing Zion Church’s prayer request letter (Photo: ChinaAid source) |
(Beijing, China – August 17, 2022) On August 14, Beijing Zion Church’s branch in the Mentougou district was raided during Sunday service.
When Pastor Yang Jun was preaching around 10 AM, more than 10 individuals from the Mentougou District Culture and Tourism Bureau, community management office, and police station suddenly rushed into the church. They confiscated two computers and took away nine Christians and two children, including Pastor Yang Jun. Officials took some to Memtougou District Culture and Tourism Bureau and others to Yongding Police Station.
At around 5 PM, Pastor Yang’s wife called him. However, a police officer Mr. Liang (police number: 045197) from Yongding Police Station answered the phone. He said Yang’s cell phone had been confiscated. Later that evening, authorities released some of the Christians. Only Pastor Yang Jun and Zong Fangfang were still held there. When Beijing Zion Church posted their prayer request letter, 24 hours had already passed without any news about them.
Pastor Yang Jun just became an ordained pastor last week. Prior to that, he was Beijing Zion Church’s preacher. Pastor Yang signed his name onto Wang Yi's "Declaration for the Sake of the Christian Faith.” Many ministers and co-workers of Beijing Zion Church also signed the declaration.
Beijing Zion Church is the biggest house church in Beijing. Pastor Jin Mingri, founder and lead pastor of the church, advocates for bringing Chinese house churches into the public sphere. Zion Church also refused to join the Three-Self Church. Members have been persecuted by the Chinese government and have drawn focus to Chinese churches from all over the world. On September 9, 2018, the Beijing government issued a ban notice to Beijing Zion Church. On the same day, more than 70 people raided their church. Beijing Jianweitang company, to which Beijing Zion Church is affiliated, was asked to pay ￥1.2 million (~$177,160), including ￥800,000 (~$118,013) overdue rent and other fees. On April 28, 2021, minister Qie Jiafu and minister Huang Chunzi were taken away from home, administratively detained, and fined for serving the church.
On August 15, 2022, Pastor Jin Mingri and other ministers posted a prayer request letter for Pastor Yang Jun and Zong Fangfang. The prayer letter is as follows:
As we all know, the suffering of Pastor Yang Jun and sister Zong Fangfang is not a single case, but what many Chinese Christians are undergoing. We are very grateful for such family members in Christ like them. We ask fellow Christians to pray:
- For Pastor Yang Jun and Zong Fangfang. Pray God to give them strength, wisdom, and grace. May God pave the road for them to be free from restraint and bondage. Hope they come back to us free soon.
- Brothers and sisters, please stay in close touch with each other and focus on all the pastors, preachers, and co-workers.
- Pray God to show mercy on this country. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Luke 23:34). May justice is re-established in this country!
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here! Please pray and care for each other and hold tight to the bright path!
The suffering of Beijing Zion Church is not an isolated incident. Early Rain Covenant Church and Beijing Shouwang Church faced persecution within the same week. Whether or not these cases signify a change or shift from the Chinese government remains unclear.
~Yu Bing, China Aid special reporter
ChinaAid exposes abuses in order to stand in solidarity with the persecuted and promote religious freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. If you wish to partner with us in helping those persecuted by the Chinese government, please click the button below to make a charitable donation.
